Meta Description Length Checker
A guide to meta description length. Google truncates the snippet by pixel width (about 920px on desktop), which works out to roughly 155 to 160 characters. Here is the limit to stay under so your description is not cut off in search results. It is the same free Word Rating counter you use for everything else too: title tags, tweets, Instagram captions and keyword density, all from one tool.
How long a meta description can be
Google does not publish a fixed character limit. Its own guidance says there is no maximum length, but the snippet is truncated in search results to fit the device width. In practice that means a pixel ceiling, not a character one.
On desktop the description usually cuts off around 920 pixels, which is roughly 155 to 160 characters. On mobile the visible area is narrower, around 680 pixels, or about 120 characters, before Google adds an ellipsis at the nearest whole word.
- Desktop: about 920px wide, roughly 155-160 characters
- Mobile: about 680px wide, roughly 120 characters
- Google measures pixels, so wide letters (W, M, capitals) truncate earlier than narrow ones (i, l, 1)
- Safe target across all devices: 120 to 158 characters
Check your description against the limit
Open the free Word Rating counter and paste your draft meta description. The character count updates as you type or edit, so you can trim until you land inside the safe range.
Because Google truncates by pixel width rather than exact characters, keep your most important words and call to action inside the first ~120 characters. That way the key message survives even when the line is cut short on mobile.
- Type or paste the description and read the character count
- Aim for 120-158 characters to display fully on most devices
- Front-load the keyword and hook in the first ~120 characters
- Everything runs in your browser, so your text is never uploaded
Writing descriptions that survive truncation
A meta description does not change your ranking. Google uses it to build the snippet, which can affect click-through rate, but length and keywords here are not ranking factors. Write for the reader, then check the count to stay inside the limit.
Your title tag sits right above the description in the snippet, so check its length too and keep the pair consistent.
Expect Google to rewrite it. Studies put the rewrite rate around 60 to 70 percent (one analysis found 71% on mobile and 68% on desktop), because Google often pulls page text that better matches the exact query. A clear, relevant description is more likely to be kept.
- Write one or two sentences that summarise the page accurately
- Include the primary keyword naturally, but do not stuff it
- Make each page's description unique to avoid duplicate snippets
- Use active language and a reason to click, not a generic blurb
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal meta description length in 2026?
Aim for roughly 120 to 158 characters. Around 155 to 160 characters (about 920 pixels) is the most you can show on desktop before Google truncates, while about 120 characters fits mobile. Staying near 150 keeps the description readable on every device.
Does Google count characters or pixels?
Pixels. Google trims the snippet to fit the available width, typically around 920px on desktop and 680px on mobile. Because wide letters like W, M and capitals take more pixels, a description with many wide letters can be cut off before one with the same number of narrow letters.
Is there a hard meta description character limit?
No. Google's official documentation states there is no maximum length; the snippet is simply truncated to fit the device. The 155 to 160 character figure is a practical display target, not a rule enforced in your HTML.
Does meta description length affect SEO rankings?
No. Meta description length is not a ranking factor. The description only influences the search snippet, which can affect click-through rate. A character counter helps you stay within the display limit; it does not improve rankings.
Why does Google show a different description than the one I wrote?
Google rewrites or ignores meta descriptions roughly 60 to 70 percent of the time (one study found 71% on mobile and 68% on desktop). It often substitutes page text that matches the searcher's exact query better. A clear, relevant, page-specific description is more likely to be used as written.
How do I check my meta description length?
Paste it into the counter above and read the live character count. Keep it between 120 and 158 characters, and put the keyword and main message in the first ~120 characters so it still reads well if Google trims it on mobile.